Adjustable tilting device for use with beds or the like

ABSTRACT

THE INVENTION IS DIRECTED TO AN ADJUSTABLE TILTING ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH BEDS OR THE LIKE HAVING AN OUTER FRAME WITH THE INNER FRAME CONTAINED THEREIN FOR SUPPORTING THE USER OF THE DEVICE BETWEEN A NORMAL LEVEL POSITION AND AN INCLINED POSITION, WHICH POSITIONS MAY BE REACHED WHILE THE USER REMAINS ON THE BED WITH A MINIMAL OF EFFORT ON HIS PART. MEANS IS PROVIDED FOR TILTABLE SUPPORTING THE INNER FRAME ON A TRANSVERSE AXIS FOR ANGULAR MOVEMENT WITH CONTROL MEANS COUPLED TO THE OUTER FRAME   AND OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE INNER FRAME FOR REGULATING THE EXTENT OF THE ANGULAR POSITION. MEANS FOR MAINTAINING THE INNER FRAME IN ITS NORMAL POSITION AS WELL AS LIMITING THE DEGREE OF ANGULAR MOTION IS ALSO PROVIDED.

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 LE ROY C. BLOMBERG ADJUSTABLE TILTING DEVICE FOR USE WITH BEDS OR THE LIKE June 29, 1971 Filed April 18, 1969 June 29, 1971 LE ROY C. BLOMBERG ADJUSTABLE TILTING DEVICE FOR USE WITH BEDS OR THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 18, 1969 LEROY ATTORNEY Juf: 29, 1971 LE ROY c. BLOMBERG 3,583,929

ADJUSTABLE TILTING DEVICE FOR USE WITH BEDS OH THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 18, 1969 l.\` VEN] l(Ik` LEROY C. BLOMBERG AT T O R N E Y ntecl States Patent @mee 3,588,929 Patented June 29, 1971 3,588,929 ADJUSTABLE TILTING DEVICE FOR USE WITH BEDS OR THE LIKE Le Roy C. Blomberg, 101 Sherman Ave., New York, N.Y. 10034 Filed Apr. 18, 1969, Ser. No. 817,415 Int. Cl. A61g 7/10 U.S. Cl. 5-62 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention is directed to an adjustable tilting assembly for use with beds or the like having an outer frame w1th the inner frame contained therein for supporting the user of the device between a normal level position and an inclined position, which positions may be reached while the user remains on the bed with a minimal of effort on his part. Means is provided for tiltably support ing the inner frame on a transverse axis for angular movement with control means coupled to the outer frame and operatively associated with the inner frame for regulating the extent of the angular position. Means for maintaining the inner frame in its normal position as well as limiting the degree of angular motion is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of the invention This invention relates to an adjustable device suitable for use in beds, chairs or the like in which the support portion of the assembly is controlled as to the degree of angular motion, and more particularly to a device which the user may control while situated thereon.

The present invention is capable of being used with furniture such as beds, chairs, or the like for retaining parts thereof in adjusted positions, and since it is par-- ticularly suited for beds it will be so illustrated and described.

There are many medical reasons why the use of a tilt ing device in which the head is lower than the rest of the body produces beneficial effects. The principal reason is, that while standing or sitting, the gravitational pull on our bodies tends to prolapse and thereby enervate the internal organs as well as the whole structure of our physical makeup. It is only when We lie with our head lower than the heart, and the body in the inclined position that a genuine relaxation seems to be brought about. In such position there is a calmness and Ia sense of security and total rest that creeps over us, permeating every libre and cell of the body, enabling nature to catch up with its work of repair. Tension is relieved, aches and pains and other minor indispositions, attributed to modern high-tension civilization, are relieved to an amazing degree. The normal appendix appears to drain out any residue, bringing the colon `more into place, stepping up the functions of elimination, letting gravity help do the work of rebuilding instead of olf-setting it and tearing it down, draining the lymphatic glands, aiding in cases of dropsy and varicose veins and relieving pressure on the pelvis. By use of a tilting device in which the head is lower than the rest of the body, the blood circulation in the brain irrigates to a better advantage and washes out and clears up deposits to renew its normal functions, definitely a safeguard against strokes and brain ruptures by tending to keep the head arteries and blood vessels resilient and more normal.

(b) Discussion of the prior art Various tilting devices have been proposed and disclosed in the prior art. A representative construction of these devices is disclosed in US. Pat. 53,706; 503,196; 771,039; 3,402,408 and Re. 26,41 l. These prior art devices may be categorized as those in which manual means are provided to obtain the degree of inclination and those in which electrical power means is contemplated.

Since a tilting device may be used by people who are bedridden for one reason or another for medical reasons, or simply just relaxing, it is of great yadvantage and convenience to be able to adjust the device to a desired angular position without having to leave the bed. The prior art devices that are manually controlled are deficient in this respect, and the power driven devices are sufficiently expensive so that their installation is not always practicable for the home or even hospital use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Objects of the invention An object of the invention is to provide an improved reclining device for tilting beds, chairs and the like to incline the head or feet in desired, adjusted, angular positions to provide relaxed and healthful rest.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved suspension device adapted to lit any size of bed or chair and provide body balance and permit the Ibody to be restfully inclined in a straight line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved suspension device having an inner frame supported on a pivot having a predetermined axis that permits it to operate by balance while the user is contained thereon.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will obvious as the disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inclinator unit of the present invention is of a design and construction permitting it to be installed in most beds having an outer frame and an inner shorter frame for supporting the spring :and mattress. If desired the bed or chair may be manufactured initially incorporating the device of the present invention. The inclinator unit permits the spring, mattress, and inner frame to tilt within the outer frame of the bed up to approximately fourteen inches by essentially the mere shifting of the body weight of the user, such that it operates by body balance with no complex, or electrical equipment. Because it is so convenient and easy to use, it can be used more consistently and thereby insure better results for everyone such as the aged and invalid in homes, hospitals, rest homes and sanitariums.

The tilting device or inclinatorl unit may be used with beds for moving the bedding supported thereon between a normal level position and an inclined position. The outer main bed frame has a headboard, a footboard and side rails with an open rectangular inner frame contained in the outer frame and being shorter in length to be contained therein. Supporting means is provided to support the inner frame relative to the outer frame on a transverse axis for angular movement with respect thereto between the normal level position and a selected inclined position. Control means is coupled to the outer frame and operatively associated with the inner frame for regulating the degree of angular elevation of the .inner frame with respect to the outer frame. The control means includes lever means including a lever member pivotally coupled to the outer frame and manually controllable by the user on the bed. The lever member by a cable is connected to retaining means which forms part of the control means and includes a clutch mechanism or lever lock which may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. 3,082,640, and invented by the applicant of the present invention, and which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference. The lever lock 3 is adapted for retaining the respective frames in a desired angular adjusted position. The lever lock of the retaining means when released allows the inner frame or cradle to tilt to a desired angle, and pushing the lever handle forward locks the lever lock in place and holds the inner frame at a desired angle.

Stop means is provided on the outer frame to engage the inner frame when it reaches its level position and locking means is operatively associated with the frames to lock the inner frame in its normal level position.

Accordingly, the invention permits the components of a conventional bed to tilt within the framework of the bed and to permit the occupant of the bed to initiate the tilt and hold it at a desired angle. This may be accomplished while the user is lying in the bed.

The idea of tilting by body balance is based on a formula of measurement. This formula has been determined by experiments With people of average build and height. The length of the mattress determines the location of the pivot point and for a standard mattress 63 or 75". The location of the pivot point should be three-fifths of the length of the mattress or 45". For longer mattresses a proportionate amount should be added. This measurement should be taken from the footboard of the bed.

When installed in this manner the inclinator unit can be tilted by a slight pull on the headboard or a handle attached. The unit can also be tilted by bringing the legs part way up to the body, this Will shift enough weight to the head of the bed to tilt it down to the limit bumper of the stopping means. When a desired angle is reached it can be locked in place by engaging the locking lever of the bed. The tilting unit can be installed in reverse order if it is desired to raise the head and lower the feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. l is a top plan view of a bed incorporating the tilting device made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevational view on line 2 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the tilting device in its angular position;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged sectional view on line 4 4 of FIG. 2, showing the support for the inner frame in its normal position;

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged sectional view on line 5 5 of FIG. 2, illustrating the retaining means for holding the inner frame in a selected angular position;

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged sectional View on line 6 6 of FIG. 2, illustrating the means for locking the inner frame in its normal position;

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged sectional view on line 7 7 of FIG. 2, illustrating the means for mounting the inner frame relative to the outer frame of the assembly; and

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged sectional View on line 8 8 of FIG. 2, illustrating the means for limiting the angular position of the inner frame of the assembly.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, we have illustrated an adjustable tilting device generally indicated by the reference numeral 10, and that may be used in conjunction with a bed assembly 12, which includes a main or outer bed frame of more or less standard construction having the customary headboard 16 and footboard 18 connected by the usual pair of 4 connecting side rails 20 having an inner face 22. An open inner rectangular frame 25 is provided consisting of a pair of side rails or members 26 having an inner surface 27 and outer surface 28, and transversely extending end members 30 conventionally secured together. The length of the inner frame 25 being shorter than the outer frame 15 and adapted to support the bedding 32 thereon in the usual manner. For additional support one or more transverse members 33 extending between the side members 26 of the inner frame 25 may be provided (one being shown).

MOUNTING MEANS To permit the components of the bed assembly 12, namely the inner frame 25 to tilt Within the framework of the outer frame 15 and to permit the occupant 34 of the bed 12 to initiate the tilt and even hold it at a desired inclined angle, supporting or mounting means 35 is provided between the outer frame 15 and inner frame 25 on a transverse axis for angular movement between a normal position as seen in FIG. 1, wherein the inner frame 25 is in a substantially horizontal plane, to an inclined position as seen in FIG. 3 wherein the portion near the headboard 16 is lower than the foot portion.

The mounting means 35 is so located and designed that it is possible by body balance alone to initiate the angular movement of the inner frame 25, and this is based on a formula of measurement resulting from experiments with people of average build and height. The length of the mattress determines the location of the pivot point and for a standard mattress inches in length the location of the pivot point from the footboard 18 or the front of the bedding 32, as represented by the dimension D, should be in the range of from 40% to 80% of the length of the bedding 32 and preferably `60% of the length of the bedding 32 or approximately 45 inches. For a larger mattress a proportionate amount should be added and this measurement should be taken from the footboard 18 of the bed 12, since the bedding 32 is usually adjacent to it. When installed in this manner the inclinator device 10 can be tilted relative to its transverse axis by a slight pull on the headboard 16 or a handle attached thereto. Due to the location of the mounting means 35 the inner frame 25 can be tilted in the direction of arrow 36 to the position shown in FIG. 3, by the user 34 bringing his legs part way up to his body, this will shift enough weight to the head of the bed to initiate the movement in the direction of arrow 36.

The mounting means 35 includes a pair of mounting brackets 38 secured in spaced apart relation in axial alignment with each other on the inner face 22 of the respective side rails 20. The ange 40 of the mounting bracket 38 may have fasteners, such as screws, extending therethrough into the side rails 20. A contoured seat 42 is provided in the body portion 44 of the mounting bracket 38 to accommodate the free end portion 45 of a shaft 46 which is positioned therein and extends across the Width of the outer frame 15. The seat 42 is designed to receive the shaft 46 therein without disassembling the outer frame 15. The inner frame 25 has an opening 48 in each side member 26 which openings are in axial alignment with each other to permit the shaft 46 to extend therethrough. Since the inner frame 25 is generally of wood it has been found desirable to provide a bearing surface for the shaft 46 to engage. A saddle member 50 is provided having an enlarged portion 52 containing a shaped depression 54 to form the bearing surface 56 and an integrally formed flange portion 58 through which the fasteners extend for securing the saddle member 56 to the inner surface 27, or the outer surface 28 if desired, of the side members 26. In this manner the circular shaft 46 is supported between the seats 42 of the mounting brackets 38 and the bearing surfaces 56 of the depression '54 so that all the weight of the inner frame 25, bedding 32 and user 34 is supported by these surfaces. By the mounting means 35 illustrated, the inner frame 25 is free to rotate around the transverse axis which coincides with the axis of the shaft 46 with a minimal of force so that it may easily be done manually by one who is even an invalid or by the shifting of body weight.

CONTROL MEANS To regulate the inner frame 25 for controlled movement and positionment in a selected angular plane relative to the outer frame 15, control means 60 is provided and coupled to the outer frame 15 and operatively associated with the inner frame 25 for regulating the angular elevation. The control means 60 includes retaining means 62 operatively associated with and mounted between the outer frame 15' and inner frame 25 for maintaining the inner frame k25 in a selected angular position with respect to the outer frame 15, and lever means 64 for activating the retaining means 62.

The retaining means 62 includes a le-ver lock or clutch device 65 which may vary in design, but may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. 3,082,640, referred to above. As seen in FIG. l, two lever locks 65 are used, and as lSeen particularly in FIG. it includes a base plate 66 secured to the reslpective inner face 22 of the side rails 20 as fby screws 67. The lever lock 65, by their position are in a sense a left handed one and -a right handed one, but without any functional differences. The lever lock 65 in,- cludes a lever leg 68 and a lever toe 70 secured thereto. The lever lock 65 as described in the referenced patent operates by manually compressing friction means which co-operates with the levers to releasably retain the lever lock 65 in adjusted angular positions. The lever leg 68 at its free end is pivotably connected to connecting member 72 which in turn is connected to a cable 74 by a spacer 76 extending therebetween. Any displacement of the cable 74 in either direction of double headed arrow 75 will be transmitted to and effect angular movement of the lever leg 68. Since two lever locks 65 are in use this motion must be transmitted to both at the same time and accordingly a motion bar 77 is mounted transversely between and in operative relation with both lever locks 65. The motion bar 77 may be freeely seated for rotation within apertures (not shown) in each base plate 66 and having a motion arm 78 at each end extending therefrom in fixed relation thereto and pivotably coupled to the connecting member 72 for transmitting the cable movement to the opposite lever locks 65 by the motion arm 78 coupled to a connecting member 72. In this manner both lever locks may be simultaneously moved between its engaged and disengaged positions. The lever toe is pivotably secured at its other end to a link member 79 which in turn is pivotably connected to the outer surface 28 of the side member 26 and freely rotatable with the angular movement of the inner frame 25.

The lever means 64 as seen in FIGS. 1-3 and particularly in FIG. 7, includes a lever arm 80 having a curved upper free end 82 adapted to be gripped by the user as hereafter described, with its opposite or lower end 84 pivotably secured to the outer frame by a bracket 85 secured to the inner face 22 of the side rail 20 as by a bolt 86 with a pivot pin extending through the lower end 84 of the lever arm 80 with a nut 87 retaining the lever yarm 80 in place. The cable 74 extends from and is connected to the lever arm 80 by a coupling member 88 having a groove 89 so that it overlaps both sides of the lever arm 80 with a rivet 90 or other fastener extending therethrough and permitting angular rotation therewith. The other end of the cable 74 as explained above is connected by connecting member 72 to the lever leg 68. Individual guide members 91, 92 and 93 are each secured to the inner face 22 of the side rail 20 and includes an outwardly extending portion thereof having a clearance opening through which the cable 74 extends.

The operation of the control means 60 is such that the movement of the lever arm 80 in the direction of arrow 94 will release the lever lock 65 and allows the inner frame to tilt to a desired angle. Pushing the lever arm 80 forward in the direction of arrow 95 locks the lever lock 65 in place and holds the inner frame 25 and bedding 42 at a desired angle. When the lever lock 65 is in its locked position the lever toe 70 remains in a fixed position preventing any angular motion of the cradle or inner frame 25'. It is appreciated that other angular position control regulating means may be utilized.

STOP MEANS From tests conducted it has been found that there exists a limit angle beyond which a discomfort to the user 34 might occur and this angle is defined by a height differential as indicated by the dimension X between the two ends of the bedding 32. For the average size bed the dimension X ygenerally should not exceed twenty inches and is preferably about fourteen inches. To obtain this angular limitation limit stop means 96 is provided and as seen particularly in FIG. 8, 'We have a stop member having a side flange 97 with an integrally formed top ange 98 and vertically extending support rib 99 therebetween to provide additional strength. The side ange 97 is secured as by screws 100 to the inner face 22 of the side rails 20 in a selected position to obtain the desired degree of angular limitation. A compressible stopper 102, made of rubber or similar material, is secured to the upper surface of the top flange 98 to engage the side members 26 of the inner frame 25 since two stop members 96 may be employed. To maintain the inner frame 25 in its normal or horizontal position limit means in the form of bumpers 106 are provided and as particularly seen in FIG. 4, the bumpers 106 are secured to the inner face 22 of the side rails 20 in a conventional manner to engage a portion of the inner frame 25 when the latter is in its normal position.

LOCKING MEANS Since the bed assembly 12 may also be used in its nor- -mal position, locking means 110 is provided to retain same in this position and may include as particularly seen in FIG. 6 a body member 1112 having a downwardly extending flange 113 secured to the outer surface 28 of side member 26 and with an outwardly extending bottom rest portion 114. Pivotably mounted on the inner face 22 of the side rail 20 is a locking arm 115 having at its upper end an enlarged linger engaging portion 116 and at its opposite end an outwardly extending friction portion 118 which is adapted to be compressed against the bottom rest portion 114 when in its locked position as seen in FIG. 2. In its open position, as seen in FIG. 3, the locking arm is free. -By mounting the locking arm 115 between its ends on the inner face 22 of the outer frame 15 a friction tit is obtained to obtain the requisite locking of the innner flame in place in its normal position.

BALANCE MEANS To permit for ne adjustment of the inner frame 25 by the weight of the user alone, which can be accomplished after installation and test by the purchaser, `balancing means 120 is provided. The balancing means includes weight 121 removably secured to the inner frame as yby a basket 122 secured to the end member 30. In this manner in case the :bed may Ibe used by someone else of different build in the future, the weights 121 can easily be removed or altered. In this way the tilting; device would not have to be disassembled to change the pivot point defined by the transverse axis.

OPERATION The tilting device 10 of the present invention may be incorporated in a bed assembly 12 or other furniture by the purchaser of the various component parts described herein or the manufacturer of the furniture may directly incorporate the tilting device 10 into the bed when initially manufactured. In operation the bed assembly 12 may `be in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in which case the user 34 may first open the locking means 110 by rotating the locking arm 115 in the direction of arrow 119 to the position seen in FIG. 3, so that the friction portion 118 is out of engagement with the bottom rest portion 114. If the user 34 is in the bed assembly 12 and he Wishes to rotate the inner frame 25 and bedding 32 from the normal position in FIG. 2 to the inclined posiin FIG. 3, then the control means 60 is actuated by engaging the lever arm 80 of the lever means 64 and pulling it in the direction of arrow 94. This angular rotation is transmitted through the cable 74 to the lever leg 68 of the retaining means 62 whereby the lever lock 65 is released. Once this occurs the inner frame 25 is free to move downwardly to the position in FIG. 3, and this is accomplished by the user 34 shifting his body weight such that the center of gravity of his body is past the transverse axis of the shaft 46, thereby causing a gradual descent of the inner frame 25. This descent is stopped by the user 32 engaging the lever arm 80 and pushing it in the direction of arrow 95. This motion is transmitted by cable 74 to the locking lever 65 to re-engage the clutch mechanism and by its coupling to the lever toe 70 and link member 79 it stops and retains the inner frame 25 in any selected angular position. The weight of the used 34 may be shifted by his bringing his legs past his knees or by just gripping the headboard 16 with his hand and balancing the inner frame 25 in any desired angular position and while maintaining this position engaging the lever arm 80 to egage the retaining means 62.

The bed assembly 12 may be so constructed that the frame 25 tilts in the opposite direction than illustrated.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawing, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A tilting device for use with furniture for moving a portion thereof `between a normal level position and an inclined position, comprising:

(A) an outer main frame including side rails,

(B) an open rigid rectangular inner frame in said outer frame, said inner frame being shorter than said outer frame and including a pair of spaced apart side members,

(C) mounting means for tiltably supporting said complete inner `frame in said outer bed frame on a transverse axis for angular movement with respect to said outer frame between the normal level position and the inclined position, and

(D) control means coupled to said outer frame and operatively associated with said inner frame for regulating the angular elevation of said inner frame with respect to said outer frame, said control means including:

(1) retaining means interconnecting said outer frame and said inner frame for retaining them in selected angular relation to each other, and

(2) lever means in spaced relation to said retaining means and mounted relative to said outer frame and operatively associated with said retaining means for actuating the latter to obtain the desired angular positionment of said inner frame, said lever means including:

(a) a lever arm pivotably mounted on said outer frame and maneuverable by the user of the device when positioned thereon, and

(b) a cable extending between said lever arm and said retaining means for transmitting the movement of said lever arm when engaged by the user,

(E) stop means secured to said outer frame for limiting the travel of said inner frame in its inclined position, said stop means including an outwardly extending top flange adapted to receive said side member in supporting relation thereto, and secured to said side rail,

(F) locking means operatively associated with said frames for locking said inner frame in its normal level position, said locking means includes:

(l) a body member secured to said inner frame having a rest portion extending therefrom, and

(2) a locking arm pivotably secured to said outer frame having a finger engaging portion at one end thereof for engagement by the user of the device for rotating said locking arm and a friction portion at substantially the other end of said locking arm, said friction portion adapted to engage said rest portion when said inner frame is in its normal position so that it may be retained in said position until said locking means is released, and

(G) limit means operatively associated with said outer frame to support the inner frame in its horizontal position.

2. A tilting device as defined in claim 1,

(a) wherein the user is adapted to regulate said lever means while positioned on said inner frame, to engage and disengage said retaining means, said inner frame being free to move angularly relative to said outer frame when said retaining means is disengaged and retained in fixed position relative to said outer frame when said retaining means is engaged, and

(b) said mounting means extends between `said side rails and said side members is positioned from the end of said outer frame removed from the user of said outer frame a distance in the range of 40% to 80% of the length of said inner frame, wherein the user by releasing and retaining means may effect said angular movement of said inner frame by balance alone, so that the users hand is lower than the users feet.

3. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes:

(a) a support shaft extending transversely from said inner frame in supporting relation thereto and extending beyond said side members, and

(b) a mounting bracket secured to each of said side rails in transverse relationship to each other and engagable with the free end portions of said shaft, so as to permit angular rotation of said inner frame bout said support shaft with a minimum of applied orce.

4. The device as defined in claim 3, wherein said mounting bracket includes a vertically extending seat adapted t0 receive the free end portion of said shaft which is removable therefrom by vertcal movement.

5. The device as defined in claim 4, wherein said mounting means further includes a saddle member, having a bearing surface, secured to each of said side members in axial alignment with said supporting shaft, wherein the latter engages said bearing surface and is supported thereby relative to said inner frame.

6. The device as defined in claim 1, and further including balancing means connected to said inner frame for varying the weight thereof for balancing purposes to facilitate adjustment of the inner frame when the user is contained thereon.

7. The device as dened in claim 6, wherein said balancing means includes a basket secured to said inner frame at substantially one end thereof and a plurality of weights contained in the basket that may be varied to adjust to the weight of the user.

8. An adjustable bed assembly for moving a human thereon between a normal level position and an inclined position, in which the head of the human is lower than his :feet in the inclined position, comprising:

(A) an outer main bed frame havin a headboard, a

footboard and interconecting side rails,

(B) an open rigid rectangular inner frame in said outer frame, said inner frame adapted to support the bedding and user thereon and being shorter than said outer frame and including a pair of spaced apart side members,

(C) mounting means for tiltably supporting said complete inner frame in said outer bed frame on a transverse axis for angular movement with respect to said outer bed frame between the normal level position and the inclined position with a minimum of applied force, said mounting means including a support shaft extending outwardly from each of said side members and a mounting bracket secured to each of said side rails in transverse relationship to each other and engagable with the free end portions of said shaft, said mounting means extends between said side rails and said side members is positioned from the footboard of said outer frame, a distance in the range of 40% to 80% of the length of said inner frame, wherein the user by releasing said retaining means may effect said angular movement of said inner frame by balance alone so that the users head is lower than the users feet,

(D) control means coupled to said outer frame and operatively associated with said inner frame for regulating the angular elevation of said inner frame with respect to said outer frame, said control means including:

(l) retaining means interconnecting said outer frame and said inner frame for retaining them in selected angular relation to each other, and

(2) lever means including a lever arm pivotably mounted on said outer frame and maneuverable by the user when positioned thereon, and operatively associated with said retaining means by a cable extending between said lever arm and said retaining means for transmitting the movement of said lever arm when engaged by the user for actuating said retaining means to obtain desired angular positionment of said inner frame, wherein the user is adapted to regulate said lever arm while positioned on said inner frame to engage and disengage said retaining means, said inner frame being free to move angularly rela- 10 tive to said outer frame when said retaining means is disengaged and retained in xed position relative to said outer frame when said retaining means is engaged, and (E) locking means operatively associated with said frames for locking said inner frame in its normal level position, and (F) stop means secured to said outer frame for limiting the travel of said inner frame in its inclined position. 9. An adjustable bed assembly as defined in claim 8, wherein said locking means includes:

(a) a body member secured to said inner frame having a rest portion extending therefrom, and (b) a locking arm pivotably secured to said outer frame having a linger engaging portion at one end thereof for engagement by the user of the device for rotating said locking arm and a friction portion at substantially the other end of said locking arm, said friction portion adapted to engage said rest portion when said inner frame is in its normal position so that it may be retained in said position until said locking means is released. 10. An adjustable bed assembly as dened in claim 8, (a) wherein said mounting bracket includes a vertically extending seat adapted to receive the free end portion of said shaft which is removable therefrom by vertical movement, and (b) wherein said mounting means further includes a saddle member, having a bearing surface, secured to each of said side members in axial alignment with said supporting shaft, wherein the latter engages said bearing surface and is supported thereby relative to said inner frame.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,043,517 11/1912 Gavan 5-62 1,296,451 3/1919 Arrigoni 5-67 3,082,640 3/ 1963 Blomberg 74-531 3,253,285 3/1966 Fox 5-67 3,353,193 11/1967 Greiner 5-66 CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Primary Examiner 

